I promise I’ll tell you as much as I can, and good (and tasty) things come to those who wait for the rest.

As a #DennysDiners ambassador, I was invited as a guest to Denny’s HQ and test kitchen in Spartanburg, SC for a little taste and tell adventure.

Trivia:Denny’s was originally founded as Danny’s Donuts! The name was changed because people were confusing it with a place called “Coffee Dan’s”.

Everyone on the Denny’s team was so warm and welcoming, and as we nibbled on a breakfast of fresh fruit, baked treats and fresh-from-the-oven pancake puppies (try them, you’ll love them), we learned all kinds of things about Denny’s history, marketing campaigns and menu updates.

One of the neatest things Denny’s has been doing is partnering with National Geographic Kids for their kids’ adventure menu. It’s full of edutainment and animals kids love, like dolphins. (Pssst, the animals change every quarter. Next up — penguins!)

Another reason kids and parents love the kids’ menu is that they can see a full color photo of each item. I gotta hand it to Denny’s on that idea; sheer brilliance. Kids can even color in the circles of what they’d like to order.

We also had the chance to visit Denny’s test kitchen where the menu magic happens, and believe me, I tasted it. The magic is happening.

Everything is organized and arranged for streamlined efficiency, so they’re able to do an incredible amount of research and testing within a relatively small space. What you see on the menu is planned a good 18 months in advance!

So about that menu magic…

Much of what I ate (and oh, did I eat!) is still “lips zipped” information, but this chicken salad sandwich is to die for and is available in restaurants now. Homemade with roasted seasoned chicken, celery, red grapes, toasted almonds and mayo, it’s served with spring mix and tomato on toasted 7-grain bread.

And seafood lovers, how about this Alaska king salmon with whole grain rice and fresh steamed veggies from the Fit Fare menu?

As for the other secretive items I sampled, I wish I could show you. But, I’ll just say that there are some incredibly tasty seasonal dishes appearing in Denny’s Diners beginning October 1st, and they pretty much made my taste buds sing.

Trust me, you need to plan a trip to Denny’s at least once a month for the rest of the year. You’ll love what’s coming for the holidays!

About Liz

Liz is a midwestern mom gone southern (accent in transition). She lives in North Carolina and loves cooking, baking, traveling, movies, crafts, hot and cold tea, wine, pizza and the occasional nap. She also revels in the fact she's a crazy cat lady.

I can’t remember the last time we were at Denny’s, but we actually had a great meal. We always like their breakfast every time we go and usually during travel time. That looks like some good eating. And that is so nice you got to experience that. How wonderful! Thanks for sharing.

I’m planning a trip to Denny’s based on the sheer genius of that children’s menu! Do you know how many arguments and how much whining that will allow me to avoid? Bravo Denny’s! You’ve made a new fan out of me.

That looks delicious! A lot better than the food I’ve received at Denny’s. I’m so sad they got rid of my favorite thing they ever had though. The Mozzarella Cheese stick grilled cheese sandwich. It was so good.

You had me at Dolphins, I got distracted, LOL. Then I saw seafood and perked up again! I had no idea they had seafood on their menu, I don’t think I have one near me, I am going to have to check out their locator so I can find out for sure!

What a very clean kitchen! One place I would love to visit is the kitchens of the places that I eat at. If they are not clean, then neither is the food. I’m so happy that Denny’s makes sure there kitchens are clean.

Wow, they plan the menu 18 months in advance?! I love this partnership and I can attest to kids enjoying the ability to circle their food choices. The Alaska king salmon with whole grain rice and fresh steamed veggies looks amazing!

ouuuhhh…thanks for the heads up for the holiday secret menu! I’m sure with all the holiday shopping, we will be stopping by plenty of times 🙂 Until your post, I never took note to the fact that they do have very nice menus. Having the pictures of each item not only helps my kids make their selection…but me as an adult. Thanks for the review!

My favorite thing about Denny’s is not the food, but the fact that when there was a big problem with Denny’s employees acting improperly quite a few years ago, Denny’s didn’t just talk, they addressed the problem and made real changes.

I’m always up for a trip to Denny’s, our local staff are always so nice and it is like a family there. Unfortunately my husband doesn’t care for this type of food, so I usually just take the kiddos for a mom date.

Denny’s is awesome! I literally live two minutes from a Denny’s, and I eat there a lot. I had to laugh at one of the pictures. You know it’s a blogging event when there’s a smartphone in every hand, and there’s a baby in a backpack. Great!

The whole grain rice looked really yummy and nutritious. Add the fresh steamed veggies and this meal is really something I would want for lunch later. 🙂 I’m excited for what’s up and will be coming in the holidays.

I love the new kids meal options. Denny’s has really come a long way from when I was a kid. Their food actually tastes good now! Well…maybe it was the select locations I didn’t like when I was a kid. But when we visit now; they are great.

Wow, all that food looks amazing!! I love seeing new things coming out on the menu. We just recently had a Denny’s built in our local area and I go any chance I get. I have to check that chicken salad sandwich out. YUM! My sister loves their healthier options too. I bet she hasn’t tried the fish yet!

I recently took my youngest to Denny’s and he got the Dolphin menu he kept chatting to them it was cute. I love the new dishes they bring out, especially around the holidays. Can’t wait to see what they have in store for us in the coming months.

Those Adventure Menus are awesome for kids (and adults lol!) – I bet when my daughter was little it would have kept her more than occupied while we waited for our meals. And hello – Danny’s Donuts? Who knew?! I think they should bring donuts back to the menu 🙂

That’s so cool about the brand name, Danny’s Donuts, I cant imagine ti being what it is today with donuts in the name! The food all looks delicious, I’m especially excited about the fit eating options.

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